Correlation Between Obesity, Sarcopenic Obesity, And Foot Deformity In School-Going Children

Abstract

Background: Obesity and sarcopenic obesity are growing health concerns among children, contributing to various musculoskeletal disorders. Foot deformities in children can lead to pain and mobility issues, impacting their quality of life and long-term health. This study aims to investigate the correlation between obesity, sarcopenic obesity, and foot deformities in school-going children.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving school-going children aged . Anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and foot assessments were performed. Statistical analyses evaluated the correlation between obesity, sarcopenic obesity, and foot deformities.
Results: cases of sarcopenic obesity (marked in red) are found in children with higher body fat percentages, but these cases do not necessarily have the highest BMI percentiles. This suggests that sarcopenic obesity may occur in children with a moderate BMI but disproportionately high body fat and low muscle mass, highlighting the importance of assessing body composition beyond BMI alone.
Conclusion: This study concludes that both obesity and sarcopenic obesity significantly contribute to the risk of foot deformities in children, with obese children, particularly those with sarcopenic obesity, displaying a higher tendency toward pronated foot postures.